The Proper Way to Use A New Laptop’s Battery

If there is anything frustrating regarding a laptop, it’s the battery. Overtime, the laptop’s battery life reduces to a great extent which results in lower battery backup, when not plugged in to AC Power. If you have bought a new laptop, you should take proper measures regarding charging, discharging in order to maximize your laptop’s battery life.

Here are a few tips and suggestions to properly use a new laptop’s battery:

Tip 1: Always Drain Out the Battery Charge Before First use

Before you start using the brand new laptop, switch it on and let the battery drain out completely. Do not plug in the AC Power yet, let the laptop run only in battery power till the charge is completely exhausted. It’s advised to repeat the procedure as often as possible, to ensure that the containing battery power is flushed out periodically.

Tip 2: Use Charge – Use – Discharge – Switch off – Charge Philosophy

Always charge your new laptop’s battery completely and then unplug the AC power charger. Then switch on the laptop and use it, till the complete battery power is exhausted.

When the battery power is 0; your laptop will automatically switch off or hibernate. Now plug the AC power back and charge the laptop as usual. Do not use the laptop while it is charging, let the charge accumulate completely till you see the charging LED go dull.

Tip 3: Using Laptop on Desk ? Remove the Battery and Use Direct AC Power Instead

If you are using the laptop on an office desk and won’t be moving it to a different position for a while, consider removing the battery from the laptop and use direct AC Power. This will ensure that the battery will not receive or release any power and hence will not be damaged after a few days.

Tip 4: Avoid Overheating

Temperature is another factor which decides the life of your laptop’s battery. You can avoid overheating of laptop by

Using cooling pads

Placing the laptop over a book such that the laptop’s fan can release the inner heat to the surrounding.

Don’t place the laptop on bed or soft areas, which can clog the fan and the temperature release areas.

Switch off the computer when not in use.

Extend your RAM.

Do not use the laptop on extreme temperature conditions e.g using it in open sunlight, workshop etc.

Tip 5: Adjust power options From Windows Control Panel

Take a look into Windows Power options from control panel. Choose the “Power saver” mode and tweak the settings for brightness, dim the display, turning it off and putting the computer to sleep. This will ensure that minimum resources are used when the computer is running on battery.

How do you take care of your laptop’s battery ? Share your ideas in the comments.